Francisco Serrano, 1st Duke of la Torre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of la Torre
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Portrait by Nadar
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| President of Spain | |
| In office 3 January 1874 – 31 December 1874 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself Juan de Zavala Práxedes Mateo Sagasta |
| Preceded by | Emilio Castelar |
| Succeeded by | Alfonso XII (as King of Spain) |
| Prime Minister of Spain | |
| In office 3 January 1874 – 26 February 1874 |
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| President | Himself |
| Preceded by | Emilio Castelar |
| Succeeded by | Juan de Zavala |
| In office 26 May 1872 – 13 June 1872 |
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| Monarch | Amadeo I |
| Preceded by | Práxedes Mateo Sagasta |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla |
| In office 4 January 1871 – 24 July 1871 |
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| Monarch | Amadeo I |
| Preceded by | Juan Bautista Topete (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla |
| In office 3 October 1868 – 18 June 1869 |
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| Monarch | Amadeo I |
| Preceded by | José Gutiérrez de la Concha |
| Succeeded by | Juan Prim |
| Regent of Spain | |
| In office 18 June 1869 – 27 September 1870 |
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| Preceded by | Isabella II of Spain (as Queen of Spain) |
| Succeeded by | Amadeo I of Spain (as King of Spain) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 December 1810 Isla de León, Spain |
| Died | 25 November 1885 (aged 74) Madrid, Spain |
| Spouse |
Antonia Domínguez y Borrell
(1850–1885) |
| Signature |  |
Francisco Serrano Domínguez Cuenca y Pérez de Vargas (born December 17, 1810 – died November 25, 1885) was a very important Spanish general and politician. He was known as the Duke of la Torre. He served as Prime Minister of Spain and later as a Regent, which means he ruled the country when there was no king or queen.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Francisco Serrano was born on December 17, 1810. His birthplace was Isla de León, which is now called San Fernando. This town is located in the Bay of Cádiz in Spain.
His father, Francisco Serrano y Cuenca, was a general in the army. He was also a Liberal politician. Francisco's mother was Isabel Domínguez de Guevara Vasconcelos. Young Francisco began his studies in Vergara, a town in the Basque provinces.
Military Career and Rise to General
Following in his father's footsteps, Francisco Serrano joined the military in 1822 as a cadet. He quickly moved up the ranks. In 1833, he became a cornet, a junior officer, in the lancers.
When the Carlist Wars began in 1833, Serrano joined the cuirassiers, a type of cavalry. He fought bravely in the First Carlist War from 1834 to 1839. During this time, he rose from a captain to a brigadier-general. He earned the Cross of San Fernando and many other medals for his courage. He also received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Tower and Sword.
In 1839, Serrano was elected to the Cortes, which is like the Spanish parliament. He represented the city of Málaga. By 1840, he was promoted to general of division. He became the commander of the Valencia district, but he left this role to serve in congress.
Political Career and Leadership
Francisco Serrano became a key military politician in Spain. In 1841, he helped General Espartero remove the regent, Maria Christina of Bourbon-Sicily. A regent is someone who rules for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule.
In 1843, Serrano led a pronunciamiento (a military uprising) against Espartero in Barcelona. After this, he became the minister of war. He served in the government that declared Queen Isabella old enough to rule at just thirteen years old. He was appointed as a senator in 1845. From 1846 to 1853, he took a break from politics.
On September 29, 1850, Serrano married his cousin, Antonia Domínguez y Borrell. They had five children together.
Serrano later supported Marshal Leopoldo O'Donnell in the military uprisings of 1854 and 1856. He remained a loyal supporter of O'Donnell for many years.
Governor of Cuba
O'Donnell made Serrano a marshal in 1856. From 1859 to 1862, Serrano served as the captain-general (governor) of Cuba. He did a good job governing the island. He was the first governor to suggest important political and financial changes for the colony.
Return to Spain and New Titles
When Serrano returned to Spain, O'Donnell gave him the title of Duke of la Torre. This also made him a Grandee of Spain, a very high noble rank. He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for a short time in 1863.
Serrano was awarded the Order of the Golden Fleece for helping O'Donnell stop an uprising in Madrid in 1866. After O'Donnell's death, Serrano became the leader of the Liberal Union Party. He was exiled for speaking out against Queen Isabella's ministers.
The Glorious Revolution
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Serrano began to plan a revolution with other important figures like Prim and Sagasta. In July 1868, he was arrested and sent to the Canary Islands. However, Admiral Topete sent a ship to bring him back to Cadiz in September of that year.
Upon his return, Serrano signed the manifesto (a public declaration) of the revolution. He took command of the revolutionary army. His forces defeated Queen Isabella's troops at the bridge of Alcolea. The Queen then fled to France, and Serrano entered Madrid, forming a Provisional Government.
Provisional Government and Regent
In February 1869, Serrano called for new elections to the Cortes. He was then appointed as the president of the executive branch and Prime Minister of Spain. He also served as Regent from October 3, 1868, to June 18, 1869. As regent, Serrano ruled fairly and respected the decisions of the Cortes.
The Cortes chose Amadeus I of Savoy to be the new king of Spain. Serrano accepted this choice, even though he might have preferred someone else. After King Amadeus arrived in Madrid, Serrano formed a new government. However, this government lasted only a few months. Serrano resigned and led the king's army against the Carlists in northern Spain.
He tried to form another government under King Amadeus in June 1872. But he resigned again when the king would not give his ministers special powers. These events led to King Amadeus giving up his throne on February 11, 1873.
Against the Republic and Dictatorship
Serrano did not support the federal republic that was formed after Amadeus left. He tried to overthrow it in April 1873 but failed and went into exile in France.
However, in January 1874, General Pavía led a coup (a sudden takeover of power). Pavía called Serrano back to lead the country. Serrano again became the president of the executive. He focused on improving Spain's finances and restoring relationships with other countries. He also worked to stop revolts.
At the end of December 1874, the Bourbon royal family was restored to the throne. This happened through another military uprising.
Later Life and Legacy
After Alfonso XII became king in 1875, Serrano spent some time in France. He returned to Madrid in 1876. He continued to be involved in politics, supporting the formation of a democratic political group.
Francisco Serrano Domínguez died in Madrid on November 25, 1885. He was a key figure in Spanish history, helping to shape the country's government during a very turbulent time.
Images for kids
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Signature of Francisco Serrano
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Serrano y Domínguez para niños
